I received this email from a reader:
"I have a question for you. I made a basket for all the moms in my life for Mother's Day. I put some great stuff in there. Well, my husband's mom asked me if I got my stuff with coupons. Because of course everyone knows how I love couponing. She didn't ask in a bad way, but it kind of made me feel uncomfortable. Because I had gotten everything with coupons, I was able to give them 3 times more than I would have normally.
So, my question is, if you give a gift for the holidays to someone that knows you coupon and they ask or put you on the spot about it, how do you, or would you handle it? I have a million of the Glade oil candle burners and refills and thought they would make awesome gifts along with something else, but everyone knows I got them for free. While I love being frugal I don't want to come off as cheap when I give gifts. But at the same time, like I said before, with my couponing I can give way more."
After reading the email above, I definitely thought this would be a great topic to discuss.
My response to her email basically stated that is shouldn't matter if you spend $50 or $2 or even get something free! The money that you put into a gift is NOT the important part--the thought is what counts! Plus, as most of you know, getting a great deal or snagging a FREE product does take time and energy. Way more time then going to a store and throwing a few random gifts in your shopping cart!
My opinion, as harsh as this may sound, is if people ever make you feel uncomfortable regarding this, then...well, I wouldn't consider them "real" friends! We are all helping our families save money and learning how to stretch those hard earned dollars! There's absolutely NOTHING wrong with that. In fact, other people should commend you for your efforts!
Being able to pay it forward with free or inexpensive products you receive is NOT something any of you should be embarrassed about. Be proud of the gifts you're able to give--no matter what the cost!
What are your thoughts on this topic?
I'd love to hear and I'm sure others would too!
201 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 201 – 201 of 201I have no qualms at all about using my coupons or money saving deals for presents! I'm actually proud of how much money I save by using coupons, shopping clearance, etc. And, most of my friends and family know I do this, and they don't mind at all.
I also do a lot of homemade gifts for family and friends each Christmas. Sometimes it's food (my dad always gets a fruitcake; I made a gift basket for MIL with homemade biscotti, chocolate dipping spoons, coffee). Once I made a 'journal jar' for my pre-teen sister; tie-dyed a sweatshirt for my brother; made a book of our favorite drinks for my best friend. It's such a rewarding experience to know that person is getting something special, that means a lot to you too.
This year I have plans to make homeade marshmallows for my hubby (he LOVES marshmallows & we have a stocking-stuffers only + $20 limit), a picture frame with pics of my mom & son decorated with shells they collected together at the beach and a 'pirate room in a can' for my 4 yr old son (he wants an updated room, and I'm going to use an old paint can, filled with pieces that will make up his room).
So, don't worry about comments or questions; If someone really knows you, they will know that your intent is good, regardless of how you got their gifts. :0)
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